Bitcoin has surpassed the $100,000 mark as the post-election rally continues. What's next?
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MILWAUKEE, Wis., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enerpac Tool Group Corp. (NYSE: EPAC) announced today that it will release its first quarter fiscal 2025 earnings after the market closes on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Management will conduct a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, December 19, 2024, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. CT. A real-time webcast of the conference call can be accessed via the Investors section of the Company’s website here . For those who are unavailable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call for 90 days. About Enerpac Tool Group Enerpac Tool Group Corp. is a premier industrial tools, services, technology and solutions provider serving a broad and diverse set of customers in more than 100 countries. The Company makes complex, often hazardous jobs possible safely and efficiently. Enerpac Tool Group’s businesses are global leaders in high pressure hydraulic tools, controlled force products, and solutions for precise positioning of heavy loads that help customers safely and reliably tackle some of the most challenging jobs around the world. The Company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Enerpac Tool Group common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol EPAC. For further information on Enerpac Tool Group and its businesses, visit the Company's website at www.enerpactoolgroup.com . Contact: Travis Williams Senior Director, Investor Relations 262.293.1913
NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin topped $100,000 for the first time this week as a massive rally in the world's most popular cryptocurrency, largely accelerated by the election of Donald Trump, rolls on. The cryptocurrency officially to rose six figures Wednesday night, just hours after the president-elect said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bitcoin has soared since Trump won the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5. The asset climbed from $69,374 on Election Day, hitting as high as $103,713 Wednesday, according to CoinDesk. And the latest all-time high arrives just two years after bitcoin dropped below $17,000 following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX . Bitcoin fell back below the $100,000 by Thursday afternoon, sitting above $99,000 by 4 p.m. ET. Even amid a massive rally that has more than doubled the value of bitcoin this year, some experts continue to warn of investment risks around the asset, which has quite a volatile history. Here’s what you need to know. Cryptocurrency has been around for a while now. But chances are you’ve heard about it more and more over the last few years. In basic terms, cryptocurrency is digital money. This kind of currency is designed to work through an online network without a central authority — meaning it’s typically not backed by any government or banking institution — and transactions get recorded with technology called a blockchain. Bitcoin is the largest and oldest cryptocurrency, although other assets like ethereum, XRP, tether and dogecoin have also gained popularity over the years. Some investors see cryptocurrency as a “digital alternative” to traditional money, but most daily financial transactions are still conducted using fiat currencies such as the dollar. Also, bitcoin can be very volatile, with its price reliant on larger market conditions. A lot of the recent action has to do with the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Trump, who was once a crypto skeptic, has pledged to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. His campaign accepted donations in cryptocurrency and he courted fans at a bitcoin conference in July. He also launched World Liberty Financial, a new venture with family members to trade cryptocurrencies. On Thursday morning, hours after bitcoin surpassed the $100,000 mark, Trump congratulated “BITCOINERS” on his social media platform Truth Social. He also appeared to take credit for the recent rally, writing, “YOU’RE WELCOME!!!” Top crypto players welcomed Trump’s election victory last month, in hopes that he would be able to push through legislative and regulatory changes that they’ve long lobbied for — which, generally speaking, aim for an increased sense of legitimacy without too much red tape. And the industry has made sizeable investments along the way. Back in August, Public Citizen, a left-leaning consumer rights advocacy nonprofit, reported finding that crypto-sector corporations spent more than $119 million in 2024 to back pro-crypto candidates across federal elections. Trump made his latest pro-crypto move when he announced his plans Wednesday to nominate Atkins to chair the SEC. Atkins was an SEC commissioner during the presidency of George W. Bush. In the years since leaving the agency, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. He joined the Token Alliance, a cryptocurrency advocacy organization, in 2017. Under current chair Gary Gensler, who will step down when Trump takes office, the SEC has cracked down on the crypto industry — penalizing a number of companies for violating securities laws. Gensler has also faced ample criticism from industry players in the process. One crypto-friendly move the SEC did make under Gensler was the approval in January of spot bitcoin ETFs, or exchange trade funds, which allow investors to have a stake in bitcoin without directly buying it. The spot ETFs were the dominant driver of bitcoin's price before Trump's win — but, like much of the crypto’s recent momentum, saw record inflows postelection. Bitcoin surpassing the coveted $100,000 mark has left much of the crypto world buzzing. “What we’re seeing isn’t just a rally — it’s a fundamental transformation of bitcoin’s place in the financial system,” Nathan McCauley, CEO and co-founder of crypto custodian Anchorage Digital, said in a statement — while pointing to the growth of who's entering the market, particularly with rising institutional adoption. Still, others note that the new heights of bitcoin's price don't necessarily mean the asset is going mainstream. The $100,000 level is “merely a psychological factor and ultimately just a number,” Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at British investment company AJ Bell, wrote in a Thursday commentary . That being said, bitcoin could keep climbing to more and more all-time highs, particularly if Trump makes good on his promises for more crypto-friendly regulation once in office. If Trump actually makes a bitcoin reserve, for example, supply changes could also propel the price forward. “It is hard to overstate the magnitude of the change in Washington’s attitude towards crypto post-election,” Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, said via email Thursday, reiterating that prices could keep rising if trends persist. “There is a lot more demand than there is supply, and that’s usually a pretty good recipe for success.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is never promised. Worldwide regulatory uncertainties and environmental concerns around bitcoin “mining" — the creation of new bitcoin, which consumes a lot of energy — are among factors that analysts like Coatsworth note could hamper future growth. And, as still a relatively young asset with a history of volatility, longer-term adoption has yet to be seen through. Today’s excitement around bitcoin may make many who aren’t already in the space want to get in on the action. For those in a position to invest, Hougan says it's not too late — noting that bitcoin is still early in its development and most institutional investors “still have zero exposure.” At the same time, Hougan and others maintain that it's important to tread cautiously and not bite off more than you can chew. Experts continue to stress caution around getting carried away with crypto “FOMO,” or the fear of missing out, especially for small-pocketed investors. “A lot of people have got rich from the cryptocurrency soaring in value this year, but this high-risk asset isn’t suitable for everyone,” Coatsworth noted Thursday. “It’s volatile, unpredictable and is driven by speculation, none of which makes for a sleep-at-night investment.” In short, history shows you can lose money in crypto as quickly as you’ve made it. Long-term price behavior relies on larger market conditions. Trading continues at all hours, every day. Coatsworth points to recent research from the Bank for International Settlements, a Switzerland-based global organization of central banks, which found that about three-quarters of retail buyers on crypto exchange apps likely lost money on their bitcoin investments between 2015 and 2022. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, bitcoin stood at just over $5,000. Its price climbed to nearly $69,000 by November 2021, during high demand for technology assets, but later crashed during an aggressive series of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. And the late-2022 collapse of FTX significantly undermined confidence in crypto overall, with bitcoin falling below $17,000. Investors began returning in large numbers as inflation started to cool — and gains skyrocketed on the anticipation and then early success of spot ETFs, and again, now the post-election frenzy. But lighter regulation from the coming Trump administration could also mean less guardrails. This story has been corrected to refer to Anchorage Digital as a crypto custodian, not a crypto asset manager.LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Allowing two kickoff return touchdowns and missing an extra point all in the final few minutes added up to the Washington Commanders losing a third consecutive game in excruciating fashion. The underlying reason for this slide continuing was a problem long before that. An offense led by dynamic rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels that was among the NFL's best for a long stretch of the season put up just nine points and 169 yards for the first three-plus quarters against Dallas before falling behind 20-9 and teeing off on the Cowboys' conservative defense. “We just couldn’t really get it going,” said receiver Terry McLaurin , whose lengthy touchdown with 21 seconds left masked that he had just three catches for 16 yards through three quarters. “We’ve got to find a way to start faster and sustain drives, and that’s everybody: the whole coaching staff and the offensive players just going out there and figuring out ways that we can stay on the field.” This is not a new problem for Washington, which had a season-low 242 yards in a Nov. 10 home loss to Pittsburgh and 264 yards four days later in a defeat at Philadelphia. Since returning from a rib injury that knocked him out of a game last month, Daniels has completed just under 61% of his passes, after 75.6% over his first seven professional starts. Daniels and coach Dan Quinn have insisted this isn't about injury. The coaching staff blamed a lack of adequate practice time, but a full week of it before facing the Cowboys did not solve the problem. It is now fair to wonder if opponents have seen enough film of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's system to figure it out. “I think teams and coordinators are going to see what other teams have success against us and try to figure out how they could incorporate that into their scheme," Daniels said after going 12 of 22 for 80 yards passing through three quarters in the Dallas game. "We’ve been in third and longer a lot these past couple games, so that’s kind of where you get into the exotic pressures and stuff like that. We’ve just got to be better on first and second downs and stay ahead of the chains.” Daniels has a point there, and it predates this losing streak. The Commanders have converted just 36% of third-down opportunities (27 for 75) over their past seven games after 52% (31 for 60) in their first five. That challenge doesn't get any easier with Tennessee coming to town Sunday. The Titans, despite being 3-8, have the second-best third-down defense in the league at 31.6%. What’s working The defense kept the Commanders in the game against Dallas, allowing just 10 points until the fourth quarter and 20 total before kickoff return touchdowns piled on to the other side of the scoreboard. Even Cooper Rush's 22-yard touchdown pass to Luke Schoonmaker with five minutes left came after a turnover that gave the Cowboys the ball at the Washington 44. The defense spending more than 35 minutes on the field certainly contributed to fatigue as play wore on. What needs help The running game that contributed to a 7-2 start has taken a hit, in part because of injuries to top back Brian Robinson Jr. The Commanders got 145 yards on the ground because Daniels had 74 on seven carries, but running backs combined for just 57. Daniels could not say how much the rushing attack stalling has contributed to the offense going stagnant. “You’ve got to be able to run the ball, keep the defense honest,” he said. "We got to execute the plays that are called in, and we didn’t do a good job of doing that.” Stock up Linebacker Frankie Luvu keeps making the case to be first-year general manager Adam Peters' best free agent signing. He and fellow offseason addition Bobby Wagner tied for a team-high eight tackles, and Luvu also knocked down three passes against Dallas. Stock down Kicker Austin Seibert going wide left on the point-after attempt that would have tied the score with 21 seconds left was his third miss of the game. He also was short on a 51-yard field goal attempt and wide left on an earlier extra point. Seibert, signed a week into the season after Cade York struggled in the opener, made 25 of 27 field goal tries and was 22 of 22 on extra points before injuring his right hip and missing the previous two games. He brushed off his health and the low snap from Tyler Ott while taking responsibility for not connecting. “I made the decision to play, and here we are,” Seibert said. “I just wasn’t striking it well. But it means a lot to me to be here with these guys, so I just want to put my best foot moving forward.” Injuries Robinson's sprained ankle and fellow running back Austin Ekeler's concussion from a late kickoff return that led to him being hospitalized for further evaluation are two major immediate concerns. Quinn said Monday that Ekeler and starting right tackle Andrew Wylie are in concussion protocol. It's unclear if Robinson will be available against Tennessee, which could mean Chris Rodriguez Jr. getting elevated from the practice squad to split carries with Jeremy McNichols. The Commanders still have not gotten cornerback Marshon Lattimore into a game since acquiring him at the trade deadline from New Orleans. Lattimore is trying to return from a hamstring injury, and the secondary could use him against Calvin Ridley, who's coming off a 93-yard performance at Houston. Key number 17 — Handoffs to a running back against Dallas, a significant decrease from much of the season before this losing streak. Next steps Don't overlook the Titans with the late bye week coming immediately afterward. The Commanders opened as more than a touchdown favorite, but after the results over the weekend, BetMGM Sportsbook had it as 5 1/2 points Monday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Stephen Whyno, The Associated PressUN nuclear watchdog board passes resolution chiding Iran
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN ) will present at Citi's 2024 Global Healthcare Conference at 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday , Dec. 5, 2024. Peter Griffith , executive vice president and chief financial officer at Amgen, Jay Bradner , executive vice president of Research and Development and chief scientific officer at Amgen, and Susan Sweeney , executive vice president of Obesity and Related Conditions at Amgen, will participate in a fireside chat at the conference. The webcast will be broadcast over the internet simultaneously and will be available to members of the news media, investors and the general public. The webcast, as with other selected presentations regarding developments in Amgen's business given by management at certain investor and medical conferences, can be found on Amgen's website, www.amgen.com , under Investors. Information regarding presentation times, webcast availability and webcast links are noted on Amgen's Investor Relations Events Calendar. The webcast will be archived and available for replay for at least 90 days after the event. About Amgen Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative medicines to help millions of patients in their fight against some of the world's toughest diseases. More than 40 years ago, Amgen helped to establish the biotechnology industry and remains on the cutting-edge of innovation, using technology and human genetic data to push beyond what's known today. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline that builds on its existing portfolio of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and rare diseases. In 2024, Amgen was named one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company and one of "America's Best Large Employers" by Forbes, among other external recognitions . Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average ® , and it is also part of the Nasdaq-100 Index ® , which includes the largest and most innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also part of the Nasdaq-100 index. In 2023, Amgen was named one of "America's Greatest Workplaces" by Newsweek, one of "America's Climate Leaders" by USA Today and one of the "World's Best Companies" by TIME. For more information, visit Amgen.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and Threads . Amgen Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. 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CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks Elissa Snook , 609-251-1407 (media) Justin Claeys , 805-313-9775 (investors) SOURCE AmgenLiana Leota. Photo: Michael Bradley Photography The franchise made the announcement this morning. Leota takes over the role from Jo Morrison, who was recently appointed head coach of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team. Based in the UK since 2016, Leota has spent the past three and a-half years working as technical coach with the England Roses. In 2022, she was appointed director of Super League franchise the Leeds Rhinos. She said the opportunity to bring her knowledge back to the Steel alongside head coach Wendy Frew cemented the decision to return to New Zealand. “I have been waiting for the right time for a while now. Our children have been asking to return home to be closer to our families. When there was an opening at Steel and with Wendy it was a no-brainer,” she said. A former Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Leota, 40, was a midcourt maestro for the Steel and its predecessor the Sting from 2007 to 2011 and was eager to link with Frew. Frew said she was “beyond excited” to connect with Leota in a new capacity. “She was an exceptional player, known for her X-factor and flair on the court, and I’ve had the privilege of watching her coaching journey in the UK with great interest,” she said. “Not only is she a close friend, but we also shared the experience of being teammates and co-captains. Now, as we take on this new challenge of leading a team together, it feels like an exciting new chapter for both of us. I can’t wait for La to bring her wealth of coaching experience into the Southern Steel environment and see the impact she will make.” Morrison, meanwhile, said she was "so grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside an amazing management team for the past four years". "I have learnt so much and will be able to apply all of this rich learning to my next challenge."
After 10 straight wins, Lions face Packers with much to accomplish
Cancer – (21st June to 22nd July) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, explore New Opportunities with a Positive Mindset Today brings new challenges and opportunities. Stay positive and adapt to changes, allowing growth in personal and professional life. This is a day to embrace change and growth. Be open to the new challenges and opportunities that present themselves. Your adaptability and positivity will help you thrive, especially in personal and professional areas. Keep a balanced approach, and you’ll find success in your endeavors. Cancer Love Horoscope Today You may encounter fresh experiences that deepen your connections. Whether you are in a relationship or single, today offers opportunities for meaningful interactions. Allow yourself to be open and genuine in your communications. For those in partnerships, sharing thoughts and feelings can enhance understanding and harmony. Singles might find that social interactions bring unexpected connections. Stay open-minded and let your natural warmth guide your interactions. Cancer Career Horoscope Today In your professional life, today could present new challenges and opportunities. Stay adaptable and positive, as these attributes will serve you well. Approach tasks with a fresh perspective, and don't shy away from proposing creative solutions. Colleagues and superiors will notice your innovative approach and dedication. Use this chance to showcase your skills and build strong professional relationships. Your proactive attitude can lead to career advancements or recognition. Cancer Money Horoscope Today Financially, today suggests being cautious yet optimistic. Evaluate your budget and spending habits to ensure you are on the right track. It's a good time to consider new ways to save or invest wisely. Stay informed about financial opportunities, but avoid making hasty decisions. Consulting a financial advisor could provide insights that benefit your long-term financial health. Balance caution with curiosity to make informed choices that support your goals. Cancer Health Horoscope Today Today, focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle to support your well-being. Listen to your body and give it the care it deserves. Incorporate healthy habits like regular exercise, nutritious meals, and adequate rest into your daily routine. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help manage stress levels effectively. Pay attention to any signals your body sends and address them promptly. Taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in your overall health. Cancer Sign Attributes Strength: Intuitive, Practical, Kind, Energetic, Artsy, Dedicated, Benevolent, Caring Weakness: Insatiable, Possessive, Prudish Symbol: Crab Element: Water Body Part: Stomach & Breast Sign Ruler: Moon Lucky Day: Monday Lucky Color: White Lucky Number: 2 Lucky Stone: Pearl Cancer Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces Good compatibility: Cancer, Capricorn Fair compatibility: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius Less compatibility: Aries, Libra By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)After a far-right pro-Russia candidate secured a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election Monday, the eastern European NATO member is bracing for a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Sunday, amid fears it could bring about a strategic shift in the country. Calin Georgescu was in pole position with almost 23 percent after the first round of voting, a political earthquake in the country of 19 million people that has so far resisted nationalist appeals that have gained traction in Hungary and Slovakia. His victory ahead of centre-right mayor Elena Lasconi -- who scored 19.18 percent -- ended the hopes of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to compete for the presidency in the December runoff. After coming third at 19.15, Ciolacu said his Social Democratic Party (PSD) won't challenge the narrow result, and announced his resignation as party leader. Experts say the far right's surprise success could affect the parliamentary elections later this week, and even influence the chances of forming a future government. In the runoff ballot on December 8, Lasconi will face Georgescu, a NATO critic who in the past expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Georgescu's popularity surged ahead of the vote with a viral TikTok campaign calling for an end to aid for Ukraine, which shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Romania. In a first reaction on his YouTube channel, the 62-year-old independent candidate insisted "there is no East or West", stressing that neutrality was "absolutely necessary". "I am not an extremist, I am not a fascist -- I am a Romanian who loves his country," he said in reference to media reports that "tried to portray" him in a wrongful way. For his rival Lasconi, the upcoming runoff represents "an existential battle", "a historic confrontation" between those who wish to "preserve Romania's young democracy" and those who want to "return to the Russian sphere of influence". "We must not allow anger to throw us back into the past," she said to thunderous applause from her supporters, vowing to stand up for Europe and NATO. The political earthquake comes amid soaring inflation and mounting fears of Romania being potentially dragged into Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine, as the country has emerged as a key player on the alliance's eastern flank. In Sunday's vote, another far-right contender, AUR party leader George Simion, secured nearly 14 percent. Already pounding the campaign trail for this week's parliamentary elections, Simion said Romania now has "the chance to have a sovereign government and a sovereign president". Overall, the far right won more than a third of all votes in Sunday's presidential ballot. "The far right is by far the big winner of this election," political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP, predicting a possible "contagion effect" in the parliamentary vote. Extremist forces and Lasconi's centre-right party now have "wind in their sails", sociologist Gelu Duminica said, though "it remains to be seen if they know how to capitalise" on it. The PSD, which has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, has never before been eliminated in the first round of a presidential election. The National Liberal Party (PNL) party, with whom the PSD currently governs, also suffered a defeat. While many expressed their disbelief over the poll in the streets of the capital Bucharest, others were enthused. Maria Chis, 70, said she was surprised by Georgescu's lead in the first round but had been impressed after watching his TikTok videos. "He seems a man of integrity, serious and patriotic. He inspires seriousness. I think only someone like him can bring change," said the pensioner, who was planning to vote for him in the second round. Alex Tudose, the owner of a construction company, was gloomy. "There is sorrow, disappointment, that after so many years in Euro-Atlantic structures we voted for a pro-Russian by over 20 percent," the 42-year-old said. "There is clearly a strong fragmentation both in society and in the political class, and I think we saw that yesterday," he said. ani-anb-kym/sbkFeds suspend ACA marketplace access to companies accused of falsely promising ‘cash cards’
By Haleluya Hadero | The Associated Press Amazon has introduced a handful of robots in its warehouses that the e-commerce giant says will improve efficiency and reduce employee injuries . Two robotic arms named Robin and Cardinal can lift packages that weigh up to 50 pounds. A third, called Sparrow, picks up items from bins and puts them in other containers. Proteus, an autonomous mobile robot that operates on the floor, can move carts around a warehouse. The bipedal, humanoid robot Digit is being tested to help move empty totes with its hands. And there’s also Sequoia, a containerized storage system that can present totes to employees in a way that allows them to avoid stretching or squatting to grab inventory. Amazon says Robin is currently being used in dozens of warehouses. The others are in a testing stage or haven’t been rolled out widely. But the company says it’s already seeing benefits, such as reducing the time it takes to fulfill orders and helping employees avoid repetitive tasks. However, automation also carries drawbacks for workers , who would have to be retrained for new positions if the robots made their roles obsolete. In October, Amazon held an event at a Nashville, Tennessee, warehouse where the company had integrated some of the robots. The Associated Press spoke with Julie Mitchell, the director of Amazon’s robotic sortation technologies, about where the company hopes to go from here. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Q: When you’re working on robotics, how long does it typically take to roll out new technology? A: This journey that we’ve been on has taken a couple of years. Luckily for us, we’ve been at this for over a decade. So we have a lot of core technology that we can build on top of. We started these particular robots – Cardinal and Proteus – in this building in November 2022. We came in and began playing around with what it would look like to pack and move a production order. Less than two years later, we are at scale and shipping 70% of the items in this building through that robotics system. Q: So, two years? A: We talk about “build, test and scale” and that’s about a two-year cycle for us right now. Q: It’s challenging to build robots that can physically grab products. How does Amazon work through that? A: As you can probably imagine, we have so many items, so it’s an exceptional challenge. We rely on data and putting our first prototype in a real building, where we expose it to all the things we need it to do. Then we drive down all the reasons that it fails. We give it a lot of sample sizes in a very short period of time. For example, a couple of years ago, we launched our Robin robotics arm – a package manipulation robot – and we’re at 3 billion picks. So the ability to launch into our network, rapidly collect data, scale and iterate has enabled us to go fast. The challenge itself can be boiled down to three simple things: you need to perceive the scene, plan your motion and then execute. Today, those are three different parts of our system. Artificial intelligence is going to help us change all of that, and it’s going to be more outcome-driven, like asking it to pick up a bottle of water. We’re on the verge, so that’s why I’m personally excited to be here at the onset of generative AI and use it to dramatically improve the performance of our robotics. Q: How do you think about the impact of automation on Amazon’s workforce as you’re developing the technology? A: With the technology we’ve deployed here, we’re creating new roles for individuals that can acquire new skills to fulfill those roles. And these new skills are not something that is too difficult to achieve. You don’t need an engineering degree, Ph.D. or any really technical skills to support our robotics systems. We designed the systems so they’re easy to service and train on the job to be a reliability maintenance engineer. We are working backwards from the idea that we want to employ more skilled labor. These opportunities are obviously higher paid than the entry level jobs in our buildings. And partnering with MIT has helped us understand what matters most to our team as we’re deploying these technologies across our network. Q: Are you experiencing any challenges as you introduce these robots in your warehouses? A: Not in the adoption. We’re integrating it. But these are complex systems and this is the real world, so things go wrong. For example, we had bad weather due to the storms in the Southeast. When I look at the robotics systems data, I can tell the weather is bad outside because that dramatically affects how the ship dock works. When trucks don’t arrive on time or when they can’t leave, you see bottlenecks in the building in strange ways. Containers build up, we have to put them in different places, and then humans need to recover them. So communication between what our robotics system is doing and what we need employees in the building to do to recover is important. It’s a collaboration of automation and humans to deal with real-world problems. It’s not a matter of having robotics take over but making it one system of humans and robotics working together to accomplish the goal of shipping the product.The Reform UK leader pushed back against reports suggesting that legal action would be the next step, saying he would make a decision in the next couple of days about his response if there is no apology for the “crazy conspiracy theory”. Mr Farage also said the party has “opened up our systems” to media outlets, including The Daily Telegraph and The Financial Times, in the interests of “full transparency to verify that our numbers are correct”. His remarks came after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of “fakery” in response to Reform claiming they had surpassed the Tories in signed-up members. Mrs Badenoch said Reform’s counter was “coded to tick up automatically”. A digital counter on the Reform website showed a membership tally before lunchtime on Boxing Day ticking past the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservative Party during its leadership election earlier this year. Mr Farage, on whether he was threatening legal action or not, told the PA news agency: “I haven’t threatened anything. I’ve just said that unless I get an apology, I will take some action. “I haven’t said whether it’s legal or anything.” He added: “All I’ve said is I want an apology. If I don’t get an apology, I will take action. “I will decide in the next couple of days what that is. So I’ve not specified what it is.” Mr Farage, on the move to make membership data available to media organisations, said: “We feel our arguments are fully validated. “She (Mrs Badenoch) has put out this crazy conspiracy theory and she needs to apologise.” The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News & FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. I am now demanding @KemiBadenoch apologises. — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) December 27, 2024 On why Mrs Badenoch had reacted as she did, Mr Farage said: “I would imagine she was at home without anybody advising her and was just angry.” Mr Farage, in a statement issued on social media site X, also said: “The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. “Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News and FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. “I am now demanding Kemi Badenoch apologises.” A Conservative Party source claimed Mr Farage was “rattled” that his Boxing Day “publicity stunt is facing serious questions”. They added: “Like most normal people around the UK, Kemi is enjoying Christmas with her family and looking forward to taking on the challenges of renewing the Conservative Party in the New Year.” Mrs Badenoch, in a series of messages posted on X on Thursday, said: “Farage doesn’t understand the digital age. This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.” There were 131,680 Conservative members eligible to vote during the party’s leadership election to replace Rishi Sunak in the autumn. Mrs Badenoch claimed in her thread that “the Conservative Party has gained thousands of new members since the leadership election”. Elsewhere, Mr Farage described Elon Musk as a “bloody hero” and said he believes the US billionaire can help attract younger voters to Reform. Tech entrepreneur Mr Musk met Mr Farage earlier this month at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, amid rumours of a possible donation to either Mr Farage or Reform. Mr Farage told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: “The shades, the bomber jacket, the whole vibe. Elon makes us cool – Elon is a huge help to us with the young generation, and that will be the case going on and, frankly, that’s only just starting. “Reform only wins the next election if it gets the youth vote. The youth vote is the key. Of course, you need voters of all ages, but if you get a wave of youth enthusiasm you can change everything. “And I think we’re beginning to get into that zone – we were anyway, but Elon makes the whole task much, much easier. And the idea that politics can be cool, politics can be fun, politics can be real – Elon helps us with that mission enormously.”Is Outlook down? Thousands of Microsoft 365 users report outage issues
Starlink has increased its standard subscription prices to N75,000 again, following indications that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to approve an upward tariff hike for telecom operators. This is coming weeks after the internet service provider raised its standard subscription prices by 97.37 percent to N75,000, blaming high inflation. The NCC faulted the increase stating it had not approved the hike forcing Starlink to revert to status quo. However, there are indications that the regulator will approve its first tariff hike in a decade for the telecom sector following months of lobbying by operators who are declaring losses and have stopped investing. This tariff hike is expected to be across the board with operators like Starlink benefitting from it. In a new email to customers, the satellite internet provider announced its new tariff hike. “These changes reflect our commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to support and improve your experience with Starlink,” the internet provider said. Under the new pricing structure, the lowest subscription tier (standard) will now cost N75,000 from N38,000. Mobile global roaming service will now cost N717,000 monthly, and mobile regional roaming will cost N167,000. The new prices will take effect from January 27, 2025, for existing customers, but will take effect immediately for new customers. This new hike is also expected to help the company resuming delivering its kits across the country after pausing orders in November. “We’re committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria and are working closely with regulators to make adjustments that will improve the customer experience. Until these changes are approved, we are placing new residential orders on hold,” the company said in November.Nel – World’s First Dynamic Green Ammonia Plant officially opened The world’s first dynamic green ammonia plant, located in Ramme, Denmark, was recently inaugurated by a Danish partnership consisting of Topsoe, Skovgaard Energy, and Vestas. Nel has delivered the electrolysers. For this pioneering project, Nel supplied 10MW of electrolyser capacity in the form of four of the company’s proven A485 units. These electrolysers will enable the plant to produce hydrogen from renewable energy, which will then be synthesized into green ammonia. says , Senior Tender Manager at Nel Hydrogen, who attended the inauguration along with two Danish ministers, Lars Aagaard, Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities, and Thomas Danielsen, Minister of Transport. This allows for cost-effective production of green ammonia without the need for battery or hydrogen storage”, Preventing 8,200 tons of CO2 emissions According to the project partners the plant will prevent 8,200 tons of CO2 emissions annually by producing over 5,000 tons of green ammonia. says “By providing our reliable and efficient electrolyser technology, we are contributing to a solution that can help decarbonize industries like shipping, agriculture, steel and ammonia production.” Collaboration provides valuable insights The Ramme plant is expected to provide valuable insights and experience that can pave the way for larger Power-to-X projects in the future. says “We look forward to continued collaboration with partners like Topsoe, Vestas and Skovgaard Energy to scale up this technology and accelerate the green transition.” READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Nel – World’s First Dynamic Green Ammonia Plant officially opened, MAN Energy Solutions – Full-Scale Ammonia Engine Opens New Chapter Two-stroke engine testing in Copenhagen marks important milestone on path to dual-fuel ME-LGIA development MAN Energy Solutions has announced that... Switch2 and CorPower Ocean Partner on Wave-Powered Green Ammonia SwitcH2 is partnering with CorPower Ocean to deliver a unique industrial scale floating green ammonia production facility partially powered by wave energy... LBC Tank Terminals announces acquisition of Evolution Terminals in Vlissingen – Strategic move to advance leadership position in green hydrogen and ammonia markets LBC Tank Terminals Group B.V. (LBC), a global...
Secretary Pate and Attorney General Bird Sue the Biden-Harris Administration to Hand Over Election Integrity DataAdvocacy groups are urging Cambridge city leaders to take bold action to stop the affordable housing crisis from worsening. “Cambridge is struggling to house its most vulnerable residents, with far too few supportive housing units to meet growing demand,” said Brian Paul, a Cambridge resident and executive director of Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW). “The math is not adding up for Cambridge,” he said. “There’s more need, and there’s not enough units. We’re not in a good place right now.” Cambridge has fewer than 25 supportive housing units across Preston, Hespeler, and Galt combined, which Paul said is far below the needs of the population. In contrast, SHOW operates 64 units in Waterloo alone, offering a model Cambridge desperately needs to follow, he added. Alongside Paul, local advocates from Citizens for Cambridge have joined the call for action. The group sent a letter to city officials on Nov. 13 urging them to prioritize the construction of affordable housing. Attempts to get a comment from the city about the letter have gone unanswered. “We’ve been raising the alarm about this issue for a long time,” said Dan Clements, a representative of Citizens for Cambridge. “It’s time for the city to listen to its residents and make housing a top priority.” The letter also points to rising rents and long waiting lists for subsidized housing as key issues facing residents. “People are struggling to find housing that they can afford. It’s a crisis,” Clements said. “Families are being forced into difficult living situations, and that needs to change.” The local organization agrees that the city must take immediate steps to address the problem. “We need more affordable units, and we need them now,” Clements said. “The longer we wait, the harder it will be for people to secure stable housing.” Paul highlighted the growing number of people on the streets. “There’s a lack of affordable housing options and an incredible lack of supportive housing. It’s not just about putting people in homes — it’s about helping them recover.” Supportive housing provides affordable rents — around $700 per month — alongside round-the-clock on-site staff to help residents with addiction recovery, mental health support, and life skills. “These services can mean the difference between life and death for some people,” Paul said. The problem is compounded by recent closures of encampments in Cambridge. For many, the loss of temporary shelter has left them with no clear options. “These individuals have nowhere to go,” Paul said. “They’re somebody’s kids, somebody’s siblings, somebody’s parents. We need to treat them with dignity and compassion.” The citizens’ letter also emphasizes the importance of a co-ordinated response, with local government, community groups, and businesses working together to find solutions. “It can’t just be one group solving this problem. It takes everyone,” Paul said. “We need a community-wide effort to create long-term solutions that meet the needs of people who are struggling.” But Paul worries about the lack of support for Indwell, a Christian charity group “who are actively trying to build supportive housing in Preston.” Indwell has purchased the old Grand River Hotel which has been prepared for construction of a 46-unit affordable housing project, which is now in the financing phase. “It’s frustrating to see that an organization with such an incredible reputation throughout the province has been stalled at this development,” he said. “Supportive housing is the answer — it’s a solution that works.” Beyond compassion, advocates argue that supportive housing also makes financial sense. Supportive housing “saves money for the health-care system, the justice system, and social services,” Paul said. “It’s the kind of investment that benefits everyone in the community.” For residents, he urged unity and continued advocacy. “There’s a way out of this. We just have to take action — and take it together.”
The Raiders entered this season riding an eight-game winning streak over the Broncos. Denver ended its losing streak to the Raiders in emphatic fashion in a 34-18 victory in Week 5, and bettors are all over the Broncos to win and cover again in Sunday’s AFC West rematch at Allegiant Stadium. Denver is a consensus 6-point favorite after the look-ahead line was 3 at the Westgate SuperBook and reopened at 4 after the Broncos blew out the Falcons 38-6 on Sunday and the Raiders lost 34-19 to the Dolphins. “There has been an avalanche of money on the Broncos,” Westgate vice president of race and sports John Murray said. “The most one-way game of the week is Denver. The Raiders are going to be our biggest sweat. Denver is a hot team right now. They’re playing some really good football, and everybody is going to bet on the Broncos.” The action also has been one-sided in favor of the Broncos at Station Sports, where 82 percent of the tickets are on Denver. “That’s really surprising, but the Raiders are just a team right now trending the wrong way, though they’ve had a history of success against the Broncos in recent years,” Red Rock Resort sportsbook director Chuck Esposito said. “We’re clearly going to be Raiders fans.” The consensus total is 41, with the number at 411⁄2 at Circa Sports. The Raiders are on a 7-2 over run, and the Broncos are on a 5-2 over run. The Raiders (2-8, 4-6 ATS) are tied for the NFL’s second-worst record behind the Jaguars (2-9) and have the league’s longest losing streak at six games. Denver (6-5, 8-3 ATS) is one of the NFL’s biggest surprises. It already has topped its season win total of 51⁄2 and is tied for the second-best spread record in the league behind the Lions (8-2 ATS). Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has thrown for 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions in his last nine games. The former Oregon star is the +325 second choice at Circa to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award behind Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, the heavy -510 favorite. “Bo Nix has played great, they’re really good defensively, they’ve got a good offensive line and a coach (Sean Payton) that has a quarterback very similar to what he had (in New Orleans) in Drew Brees,” Esposito said. “These teams are definitely trending in opposite directions.” Best bets Professional sports bettor Jeff Whitelaw bet on the Broncos at -4 on Monday before the line shot up Wednesday to 6. “I don’t really see anything at this number (-6). This is about what I made it,” he said. “These teams are going in different directions. Denver is playing really well, and their defense is very, very good. The Raiders just seem to be in total disarray.” Three-time Review-Journal NFL Challenge champion Doug Fitz, 32-23 ATS in the contest this season, made the Raiders +6 his best bet this week. “The Raiders showed some signs of life on offense in offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s first game replacing Luke Getsy,” said Fitz (Systemplays.com). “The Broncos are obviously the better team, but this is a home division game for the Raiders. “I think the Raiders keep this close, and I expect a bit of a letdown from the Broncos after their dominant performance last week against a good Falcons’ team.” Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tdewey33 on X. Player to score first touchdown At Caesars Sportsbook Up to 30-1 Javonte Williams 6-1 Courtland Sutton 7-1 Brock Bowers 11-1 Jakobi Meyers 11-1 Devaughn Vele 12-1 Audric Estime 12-1 Bo Nix 13-1 Tre Tucker 14-1 Jaleel McLaughlin 17-1 Marvin Mims, Jr. 18-1 Lil'Jordan Humphrey 18-1 Troy Franklin 19-1 Adam Trautman 21-1 DJ Turner 22-1 Gardner Minshew 30-1Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments
NoneSANDY, Utah, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain America Credit Union partnered with BYU Athletics to help people affected by disasters. For each touchdown completed by the Brigham Young University (BYU) football team in the 2024 season, the credit union pledged a $250 donation to the American Red Cross of Utah. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. On November 16, 2024, Mountain America presented a check for $13,500 to the Red Cross of Utah representatives. The Red Cross of Utah uses contributions to help Utah communities prepare for, prevent, and respond to emergencies. This latest gift brings the total funds donated by Mountain America to the Red Cross of Utah since 2018 to $153,000. “We are thrilled to make an impact in our community through our partnership with BYU Athletics,” said Nathan Anderson, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Mountain America. “This contribution to the Red Cross of Utah reflects our commitment to giving back and supporting vital services that help those in need.” “Mountain America’s generous support helps ensure that the Red Cross of Utah can respond immediately with comfort and care when disasters happen,” said Benjamin Donner, executive director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “It’s a critical donation that supports people in need and allows us to continue our lifesaving fire prevention initiatives, such as providing free smoke alarms and installations in vulnerable communities.” The Red Cross of Utah has been proudly serving the state for more than 100 years. They deliver services across the Greater Salt Lake Area chapter; the Northern Utah chapter; and the Central and Southern Utah chapter. They remain dedicated to helping Utahns successfully prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters and emergencies. For more information about the Red Cross of Utah and BYU’s community involvement, please click here . To learn more about Mountain America’s community involvement, visit macu.com/newsroom . About Mountain America Credit Union With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multiple states, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com . Contact: publicrelations@macu.com , macu.com/newsroom
Awolowo Foundation webinar: FG committed to gender equity advancement — ShettimaElon Musk, the world's richest person and one of Donald Trump's closest allies, met with US lawmakers Thursday on his plans for overseeing radical government spending cuts under the incoming administration. President-elect Trump rewarded the Tesla, X and SpaceX chief for his support during the White House campaign by naming him head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, along with another wealthy ally, Vivek Ramaswamy. Although the office, dubbed DOGE, has a purely advisory role, Musk's star power and intense influence in Trump's inner circle bring political clout. As Musk and Ramaswamy strode into the Capitol for meetings with lawmakers, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson touted "a new day in America." "There's an enormous amount of waste, fraud and abuse," he told reporters. "Government is too big, it does too many things, and it does almost nothing well." Musk and Ramaswamy have said they can identify billions of dollars of cuts in spending, sparking questions about whether Republicans will even try to slash politically popular social security programs. Writing in the Wall Street Journal last month, the two businessmen laid out plans for the White House to cut staff, trim government programs and reduce federal regulations, even if it means bypassing Congress, which holds budgetary power. "The entrenched and ever-growing bureaucracy represents an existential threat to our republic, and politicians have abetted it for too long," Musk and Ramaswamy wrote. "We're doing things differently. We are entrepreneurs, not politicians. During Trump's election campaign, Musk vowed to reduce federal spending by $2 trillion. This would represent cutting total US spending by a third, almost certainly meaning devastation of social support programs -- something that has never garnered strong political backing. Musk's emphasis on firing large numbers of government employees, however, echoes Republican talking points about the need to take on an overbearing state and may garner more support. Musk says he is seeking "mass head-count reductions across the federal bureaucracy." Musk suggested banning government employees from working at home as an opening tactic. "Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome." Cuts will also target subsidies to public broadcasters and groups such as Planned Parenthood, which campaigns for abortion access and offers an array of reproductive health services. But DOGE is unlikely, at least initially, to go after welfare programs such as Social Security or health insurance for the poor and seniors, Ramaswamy said in an interview with Axios on Wednesday. Such cuts should be "a policy decision that belongs to the voters" and their representatives in Congress, Ramaswamy said. A reduction in military spending, which climbed to $820 billion in 2023, is also unlikely to be on the table. Musk's new role raises the question of potential conflicts of interest, since he could be issuing policy recommendations that impact directly on his own business empire. Underlining the close connection to DOGE, Musk's favorite cryptocurrency is called Dogecoin. rle/ev/md/sms/md